During various Upper School advisory blocks during the academic year, members of the MICDS Senior Leadership Group spend time with 9th and 10th graders through a series of team-building activities.
When playing games like Flip the Tarp, Helium Hoop, and Popcorn, students have to work together to achieve a common goal while being challenged in some way. For example, in one case, students are blindfolded and hunt for tennis balls on the ground. In another, students have to work together to lower a hoop to the floor using only two fingers and without dropping it.
Upper School Science Teacher Brian Coco helps coordinate these activities and remarked, “Each activity intentionally provides opportunities for the younger students to take on small leadership roles, strengthen communication skills, learn how to persevere, and build positive relationships. For seniors, it provides the opportunity to work on leadership skills and mentorship.”
Jack Niedringhaus ’22 enjoys giving back to the freshmen. “I feel like I am giving them useful information about high school and helping the advisory gel together. During my freshman and sophomore year, my senior leaders were very helpful in giving us the advice to navigate high school, so I enjoy doing the same because the transition can be difficult.”
Jacob Daus ’25 delights in building connections. “The team-building activities brought me closer to my peers in my advisory. During these activities, I have been surprised by the leadership and problem-solving skills that my peers have shown. I have also enjoyed participating in experiences with my advisory that we will always remember!”
It looks like these activities have been worthwhile endeavors to build class unity! Students empowered to strengthen community and collaboration techniques at this early stage of their high school experience will learn skills that will serve them well in the future.